Bequests

With a bequest in your will you may contribute either a specific sum or asset or a percentage of your residuary estate. Bequests offer you the flexibility of designating a specific purpose or endowment for your gift. This option affords great estate tax advantages. Here is sample bequest wording that you may wish to share with your attorney:

"I give to the Washington University, a Missouri educational and charitable corporation, in St. Louis, Missouri ...

(Cash Bequest) the sum of ________ dollars ($_______)
(Stock Bequest) _______ shares of common stock of _______________________________ Corporation
(Percentage of Estate) ______ percent ( _____%) of the residue of my estate.

I request this bequest be used by the University (or the School of _____________ or its successor) for the following purpose: _________________________________. I direct that no federal estate tax or state death taxes be allocated to or paid from such bequest."

If you wish to restrict your bequest to a specific program or function, contact the Office of Planned Giving to determine wording that will ensure its use according to your intentions. Charitable bequests are fully deductible for estate tax purposes.

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